Hundreds of peonies destroyed at University of Michigan garden
Hundreds of peonies were vandalized at a University of Michigan garden at the peak of the flowers' bloom time.
The vandalism happened late Saturday and was discovered Wednesday at the WE Upjohn Peony Garden in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security said officers found that about 250 peony plants of the garden's roughly 800 peony plants had most of their flowers appear to have been intentionally cut and left behind on the ground, with the scene surprising both garden staff and visitors.
University police say no group has been identified or taken credit for the vandalism, but some papers were left behind, including one that referenced the war in Gaza, saying: "Palestinian lives deserve to be cared for. More than these flowers."
A post on the said the flowers that were vandalized had been nurtured for generations. The Peony Garden's first flowers were donated to the university over 100 years ago, and peak bloom was expected during the May 30-June 1 weekend.
"What happened here was an act of disregard, not just for the garden but for the community that cherishes it," garden director Tony Kolenic said in his statement.
As the plant roots appear still to be intact, the garden staff expects the flowers will bloom again, Kolenic said.
University police are investigating the incident and ask that anyone with information regarding the vandalism call university police dispatch at 734-763-1131 or the confidential tip line at 800-863-1355.